Frequently Asked Questions

QUESTION:
Do you have a frequent renter program? Learn More

Yes, Betterway Rewards is the official frequent renter loyalty program of Budget Atlanta. For more information, please visit our Frequent Renter page

QUESTION:
What are blackout dates? Why am I getting this error message? Learn More

ANSWER:

Blackout dates are dates when special discounts or promotions are not available. These dates typically fall on or around major holidays or other peak travel seasons.

QUESTION:
Does Budget offer satellite radio in its rental cars? Learn More

ANSWER:

While some of our vehicles have a free trial of satellite radio, most don’t. Unfortunately this is not a feature that can be guaranteed on any vehicle.

QUESTION:
What kinds of credentials will I need to present when I pick up my rental? Learn More

ANSWER:

Generally, the following credentials are required to release a rental to you:

Driver’s License Requirements:
- Every customer must present a valid state issued driver’s license that includes photo identification.
- Military Extensions are honored as per the restrictions or limitations each issuing state allows.
- Foreign licenses (any license issued outside of the U.S.) are acceptable as long as it can be determined that the document presented is a valid driver’s license and must be accompanied by a valid passport. An International Driving Permit (IDP) issued in a country other than the U.S. will be accepted as an English translation of a foreign license. An IDP is not valid without the accompanying foreign license.

We will not accept a photocopy, electronic copy, fax or ticket in lieu of physical license in hand.

“Deposit” Credential Requirements
The preferred second required credential is a major credit card. We accept American Express, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa. The card must be presented at the time of rental. It must have the renter’s name embossed and we must be able to obtain the full amount of authorization at time of rental.

At the time of rental, we will require a credit card hold of total estimated charges plus a deposit OR $300.00, whichever is greater. Some specialty vehicles may require a different hold amount; contact the location for the required amount.

Budget Atlanta locations will accept a bank-issued check/debit card instead of a credit card. Please refer to the additional requirements indicated in the “Bank-Issued Check/Debit Card User Instructions” below. Prepaid charge/debit or gift cards are not an acceptable form of identification at rental pick up but may be used for payment at car return.

NOTE: All forms of required identification MUST include a name and address and MUST match the name and address on the renter’s driver’s license.

QUESTION:
Can I use a debit card? Learn More

ANSWER:

Yes. If you prefer to use a bank-issued check/debit card rather than a credit card, the card must be presented at the time of rental. It must have the renter’s name embossed and we must be able to charge the full deposit amount needed at the time of rental.

If a bank-issued check/debit card is used to secure the rental, we will require the card be charged equal to the total estimated charges plus a deposit OR $300.00, whichever is greater. Some premium, luxury, and specialty vehicles cannot be rented with a bank-issued check/debit card.

For all bank-issued check/debit card customers, one of the following qualifying documents are required in addition to a driver’s license and bank-issued check/debit card embossed in the renter’s name:

All Other check/debit card Renters may present an air travel confirmation indicating their return information (flight #/date/time) in lieu of the additional qualifying document as noted above.

For all bank-issued check/debit card customers, Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) is recommended as the primary source to cover damages to the Budget vehicle. However, a $1,000.00 damage deposit charged to the bank-issued check/debit card can be left instead. The renter will then be held responsible for any and all damages to the Budget vehicle regardless of fault. The damage deposit may be applied to the cost of any damages. If a current valid insurance card is presented in the renter’s name and full comprehensive and collision coverage transfers to cover the rental vehicle as confirmed by a Budget representative (by contacting a representative from the insurance company), the LDW may be declined and the $1,000.00 damage deposit waived.

Bank-issued check/debit card customers must be 25 years of age or older, are excluded from renting some premium, luxury and specialty cars, and cannot have any additional drivers other than a legal spouse.

Prepaid charge/debit or gift cards are not an acceptable form of identification at rental pick up but may be used for payment at car return.

QUESTION:
What are your age requirements for renting? Learn More

ANSWER:

You must be at least 21 years of age to rent, but the following provisions apply for customers between the ages of 21-24:

Renters 21-24 must present a valid, acceptable credit card (bank-issued check/debit cards are not permitted) and a valid driver’s license, both in the renter’s name.

At time of rental, an additional $27.00/day underage surcharge for these renters will be applied. Because we don’t verify your age when you make a reservation, this fee is in addition to your quoted online rate.

Renters under age 25 may not add additional drivers other than a legal spouse.

Minimum Age Exceptions:

Corporate Account Renters
Drivers and additional drivers who are employees of the same company, on company business, and renting with their employer’s BCD corporate rates, must be at least 21 years of age. Select corporate customers may be exempt from the underage fee. Check with your account representative to see if your company account is eligible.

Government Renters Including Those in the U.S. Military

Budget Car and Truck Rental of Atlanta is proud to deliver unsurpassed rental car service to those who serve our country.

For U.S. Government (military & civilian) personnel WITHOUT a government travel order or purchase order, minimum rental age is 21 years of age. No underage surcharge applies. “U.S. Government personnel” includes military as well as civilian employees (for example, FEMA, U.S. Postal Dept., Navy, Army, etc.). The minimum age policy applies to official Government rentals only.

For leisure rentals (vacation, leave, etc.) U.S. Government (military & civilian) personnel, an additional daily surcharge will apply for renters 21-24 years old.

Renters with a Disability

There is no underage surcharge for renters with a disability when either the non-licensed renter with the disability or the qualified authorized driver is over the age of 25. If both the non-licensed renter with a disability and qualified authorized driver are under the age of 25, an underage surcharge will apply.

Are there maximum age requirements for renting?ANSWER: Budget Car and Truck Rental of Atlanta does not have a maximum age limit.

QUESTION:
Do you require a deposit to rent a vehicle? Learn More

At the time of rental, we will require a credit card hold of total estimated charges plus a deposit OR $300.00, whichever is greater. Some specialty vehicles may require a different hold amount; contact the location for the required amount.

If a bank-issued check/debit card is used to secure the rental, we will require the card be charged equal to the total estimated charges plus a deposit OR $300.00, whichever is greater. Some premium, luxury, and specialty vehicles cannot be rented with a bank-issued check/debit card. Renters under 25 years of age may not use a debit card.

Budget reserves the right in its sole discretion, to request extra value based on certain factors as we deem appropriate. Some exceptions may apply. THESE FUNDS WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE FOR YOUR USE. For certain vehicles the minimum authorization hold is $500 or $1000.

If your vehicle is not returned on or before your due date, we will continue to obtain additional funds on the card presented at the time of rental. These funds may be charged and/or deposited at any time. It’s perfectly fine if you choose not to return the car on or before your scheduled return date, provided you contact us and have an extension successfully completed. On or before the due date you must contact Budget Atlanta Car Control Extensions at 770-240-3303 and that agent will be happy to accommodate your request, if possible. You can also submit an email request. Your extension is not granted until you receive an email confirmation from us. You’ll receive a response within 24 business hours. Please note that you must return your vehicle to the same location indicated in your rental agreement.

Budget will not be held responsible for any service fees, insufficient funds fees, returned checks, or other costs or inconveniences which may result from charges to your account.

Your bank may take up to two weeks to post a credit to your card.

At time of pick-up, you may not use a prepaid debit card for the required deposit or hold. However, a prepaid debit card may be used for payment at time of vehicle return.

QUESTION:
Can someone else drive a car that I rent? Learn More

ANSWER:

Yes, with some exceptions and certain restrictions. Add drivers to your rental at the counter when you pick up your car. Drivers must be present with their required credentials to be added.

Refer to the Budget’s Age Requirements section for additional information. The fee for each additional driver is $13.00 per day. The following are exempt from the fee but must meet all other driver requirements: the renter’s employer or fellow employee when on company business and renting under a corporate account; the renter’s spouse; the qualified driver of a renter with a disability who has completed the non-licensed renter form; some membership partners such as Costco, USAA, and AARP (refer directly to those member sites for additional information).

QUESTION:
What if I don’t return my car on the designated return time or day? Learn More

ANSWER:

Vehicles are rented on a daily (24-hour) basis. Time begins at contract origination. Full daily charges renew every day at time of contract open. If a vehicle is returned 30 minutes after time of contract open, late fees apply. Any vehicle returned 90 minutes after time of contract open will incur full daily time and mileage charges. There is no grace period for rental fees, surcharges and optional equipment or protections charges. Full-day late charges will apply for these items.

If your vehicle is not returned on or before your due date, we will continue to obtain additional funds on the card presented at the time of rental. These funds may be charged and/or deposited at any time. If you wish to extend your rental, you must contact us on or before your scheduled return date, to have an extension successfully completed. Contact Budget Atlanta Car Control Extensions at 770-240-3303, and that agent will be happy to accommodate your request, if possible. You can also submit an email request. Your extension is not granted until you receive an email confirmation from us. You’ll receive a response within 24 business hours. Please note that you must return your vehicle to the same location indicated in your rental agreement.

Budget will not be held responsible for any service fees, insufficient funds fees, returned checks, or other costs or inconveniences which may result from charges to your account.

QUESTION:
Does my own insurance protect me in the event of an accident? Learn More

ANSWER:

Given the vast number of insurers and policies, it is extremely difficult for us to know which entitlements accompany your given policy. We strongly recommend that you contact your insurance company to verify your coverages before renting a car. In the event you do not have proper protection, Budget sells a variety of protection coverages for your rental.

Learn more about the types of coverages that you’ll be offered when you reserve online or pick up your vehicle. (Prohibited used of the rental vehicles will void optional coverage protections.)

QUESTION:
Is smoking permitted in rental cars? Learn More

ANSWER:

No. Budget maintains a 100% smoke-free fleet in the U.S. and Canada, and any type of smoking (pipe, cigarette, cigar) is prohibited in all Budget vehicles. Just as renters are assessed a fee for cleaning the car’s interior for excessive stains, dirt or soiling attributable to the renter’s use, customers will be assessed an additional charge if the car smells of smoke when it is returned.

Rent a Budget car and breathe easy — because our stringent no-smoking policy is your assurance of a 100% smoke-free fleet. Isn’t it nice to know that, in this world of uncertainty, you can always depend on Budget for a clean, well-maintained, fresh-smelling vehicle? Rent now.

QUESTION:
Does Budget have a Lost and Found department? Learn More

ANSWER:

Each year the Budget team finds hundreds of cell phones, CDs, sunglasses and other personal items in our vehicles, and in our rental locations. If you’ve left a personal item behind, please call us at 404-530-3000 or complete and submit our customer service email form. Renters are responsible for their own personal items, and we highly recommend that you report any lost belongings at your earliest convenience. While we can’t promise the return of lost items, we’ll do our best to help you.